Thursday, February 18, 2010

This new ad supported African American web video destination has entered the fray, placing an emphasis on quality curated, professionally produced programming. The video wall on the home page grabs content from the site's 16 thematic channels, which break out interesting segments - each focused on a different aspect of Black culture. It's nothing if not eclectic - from news and documentary footage such as an historical May 21, 1961 interview with Nelson Mandela, to entertainment, like an hilarious appearance of Wayne Brady slumming on the Dave Chappelle Show. BTV's editors plan to rotate and introduce channels to reflect current events and trend such the Haiti Relief channel. The site's best hope at making an impact may be at putting together some compelling original programming. For instance, BTV co-founder Cecil Cox co-produced the documentary Black Panther: The Trial Of Huey Newton with HBO for the site, directed by Carl Franklin and featuring never-seen-before footage from the Black Panther Party archives. BTV is currently in talks with partners to syndicate the series.